Community Issues

ABC57: Indian American Becomes First Pregnant Woman Sentenced Under Indiana’s Feticide Laws

posted by Len Patel

The first pregnant woman to be prosecuted under Indiana’s feticide laws has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, reports PRI.

An earlier story on AsAmNews citing a report from ABC57 said the sentence was 30 years, but that appears to be have incorrect.

Purvi Patel says she panicked and was left in shock when a fetus came gushing out in a pool of blood. She says she had a miscarriage, and in a panic, dumped the fetus into a dumpster. Prosecutors contended she had previously discussed buying abortion drugs and won a conviction under the state’s feticide laws. No evidence was ever found that Patel had taken the drug or had it in her system.

The case has pitted pro choice advocates against pro-life supporters.

“This is an unfortunate case and I don’t think she is the monster she is portrayed to be,” said defense attorney Jeff Sanford.

“A baby cannot be more dependent or vulnerable,” said prosecutor Mark Roule.

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AsAm News is a website dedicated to documenting the Asian American experience and showcasing its depth and diversity. Here you will find a full roundup of headlines about the Asian American community from both mainstream and ethnic media.